Film processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for processing or handling film such as in projection systems and the like, and particularly apparatus for the contact duplication of film, in which the shutter movement is film speed responsive, that is, the shutter position is determined by the speed of film movement through the exposure station so that the shutter closes when the speed of film movement drops to a level where heat-damage might commence to the film due to prolonged dwell in the exposure station where it is exposed to heat and light from the projection lamp. The apparatus also automatically dims the projection lamp when the shutter is closed, thereby increasing the life of the lamp. The apparatus further includes a pressure roll for engaging the film to obtain good contact between the films during exposure. The pressure roll is automatically removable from contact with the film when the shutter is closed, so as to facilitate feeding of a new film into the apparatus.

United States Patent Kitch [54] FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS 72 Inventor:Paul E. Kiteh', Springfield, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Scott Paper Company, Delaware County, Pa. [22] Filed:April 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 137,330

[52] US. Cl. ..355/l10, 352/152, 355/101,

- 355/111 [51] Int. Cl. ..G03b 27/10 [58] Field of Search ....355/110,'99, 101, 103, 104, 355/108,111, 50;352/155, 152,180

Lootens ..355/1ll X 51 Nov. 28, 1972 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. MatthewsAssistant Examiner--Richard L. Moses AttorneyW1lliam J. Foley, Martin L.Faigus, John W. Kane, Jr. and John A. Weygandt 57 ABSTRACT Apparatus forprocessing or handling film such as in projection systems and the like,and particularly apparatus for the contact duplication of film, in whichthe shutter movement is film speed responsive, that is,

the shutter position is determined by the speed of film movement throughthe exposure station so that the shutter closes when the speed of filmmovement drops to a level where heat-damage might commence to the filmdue to prolonged dwell in the exposure station where it is exposed toheat and light from the projection lamp. .The apparatus alsoautomatically dims the projection lamp when the shutter is closed,thereby increasing the life of the lamp. The apparatus further includesa pressure roll for engaging the film to obtain good contact between thefilms during exposure. The pressure roll is automatically removable fromcontact with the film when the shutter is closed, so as to facilitatefeeding of a new film into the apparatus.

28 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEBnuvza I972 SHEEI 1 or 2 INVEN EPAUL E.

' ATTORNEY.

PATENTEDMUYZB 1912 I I 3.704.069

sum 2 or 2 SHUTTER DRIVE MOTOR INVENTORY PAUL E. KITCH TORNEY. 2

FILM PROCESSING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of theInvention The present invention relates to film processing or handlingapparatus, such as projection systems and the like, and particularly, toimprovements in film duplication apparatus in which an original masterfilm and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship withone another and 'light is projected through the master'film and onto theduplicatefilm at an exposure station. I

2. Description of the Prior Art In the past, imaged transparent film hasbeen processed or handled in a number of different forms of apparatussuch as film projection apparatus, film duplication apparatus, and thelike, in which the film is advanced through an exposure station wherelight is projected through it. For example, in projection equipment,high intensity light from a light source is projected through the filmand through a lens system by means of which the image on the film isprojected onto a screen remotely spaced from the film. In the contactduplication of film, however, an imaged master film is normally broughtinto contacting superimposed relationship with an unexposed duplicatingfilm, and the two films are simultaneously moved in intimate engagementwith one another through the exposure station where they are exposed tohigh intensity light projected from a light source.

One of the problems frequently experienced with such apparatus isblistering or melting of the film due to excessive heat generated by thelight source which heat is transmitted by convection or radiation fromthe light source to the film, thereby causing film damage when the rateof film advance through the exposure station drops below a desiredminimum. This problem most frequently occurs when, for one reason oranother, the apparatus is turned off and the advance of the filmtherethrough is halted, since the excessive heat is applied to, andbuilds up in, one particular portion of the film, which then blisters,melts and is ruined. "Operators often forget to turn off the projectionlamp or to close a shutter, if one is available, before this damageoccurs and, in some situations, their reaction may not be sufficientlyquick to prevent damage.

Another problem with such equipment has been the unusually short life ofthe projection lamps used for supplying the high intensity light forfilm projection and film duplication. However, in the operation of suchfilm projection or film duplication equipment, it is difficult for anoperator to remember each time to turn off the power to the lamp whenthe apparatus is operated at a slower speed or is stopped. In addition,this step complicates the operation of the equipment. It is wellknownthat if the voltage applied to a lamp is reduced, the lamp will have anincreased life. However, the circuitry required to automatically lowerthe voltage applied to the lamp in such apparatus in order to permitlamp dimming has not been provided.

It is common in such film projection and film duplication apparatus tomaintain the film in a precise spatial relationship with the lightsource, and with the projection lens system if one is employed, as inprojection apparatus, in order to maintain sharp focus of the imagebeing projected. This may be accomplished in different ways. indifferent forms of apparatus; for example, by guide plates between whichthe film passes, by a tension run of the film between two reels, or by apressure roll running against a support surface such as the surface ofanother roll, so as to create a nip through which the film passes eitherimmediately prior to and/or subsequent to the exposure station where thehigh intensity light passes through it.

In film duplication apparatus, and specifically that designed forreproducing microfilm by the contact printing method, it is extremelyimportant thata pressure roll be'used in combination with a supportsurface, generally the surface of a rotating support roll or drum, tocreate a pressure nip through which the two films, that is, the masterfilm and the duplicating film, pass prior .to the exposure station. Thispressure nip eliminates any air gaps or spaces between the films whichmight allow undercutting of the image on the master film bynon-perpendicular rays of light projected through it before the lightstrikes the duplicating film, and also eliminates concomitant lossofresolution.

However, with .either type of such apparatus, it is often difficult tothread fresh film into the apparatus so equipped and through thepressure nip formed by the pressure roll and the support surface withwhich it cooperates.

In attempting to overcome the above-mentioned difficulties andshortcomings of prior art apparatus for processing or handling film orfor duplicating film, a new and improved form of apparatus wasdiscovered which reduced or eliminated the above-mentioned problems.Thus, it is a principal object and advantage of this invention tofacilitate the duplication of film in an automatic manner whileincreasing the life of the projection lamp, facilitating the feeding ofa film into the apparatus, and eliminating the risk of damage to thefilm due to excessive heat from the projection lamp.

A further object and advantage of this invention is to control theoperation of a shutter between a projection lamp and film at an exposurestation by means responsive to the speed of the film advancing throughthe exposure station.

A still further object and advantage of this invention is to control thelevel of intensity of the projection lamp in response to changes in thespeed of the film advance through the exposure station or,alternatively, to the position of a shutter between the projectionlampand the film.

An even further object and advantage of this invention is to control thepressure roll in a film processing 4 or handling apparatus, whichemploys a pressure roll nip to press the film into engagement with asupport surface, so that the pressure roll position is dependent uponthe speed of film advance through the exposure station or,alternatively, to the position of a shutter between the projection lampand the film.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a combination ofelements in apparatus for handling film, in which an imaged film ismoved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light. Aparticular embodiment of the combination of the present invention isused in apparatus for duplicating film wherein an original master filmand a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with oneanother, and light is projected through the master film and onto theduplicate film at an exposure station. In the combination, film drivemeans are utilized for advancing the film or films through the expo Isure station. A light source directs light toward the film I or films atthe exposure station. A shutter is employed which has an open positionin which it is withdrawn from the optical light path between the lightsource and the film or films at the exposure station, and a closedposition in which it is disposed in the optical light path between thelight source and the film or films at the exposure station. Shutterdrive means are connected to the shutter for moving it between the openposition and the closed position. Switching means are operably connectedto the shutter drive means and to the film drive means for controllingthe position of the shutter in response to the speed of the film drivemeans. This arrangement provides that the shutter will be closed, thatis, it will be disposed between the high intensity light source and thefilms, when the speed of advance of the film through the apparatus fallsbelow a certain level, or stops, Therefore, heat damage to the films isprevented.

Another embodiment of the invention is the combination in apparatus ofthe type broadly described above which includes means providing asupport surface in the vicinity of the exposure station and a pressureroll moveable between a first position spaced from the support surfaceand the film or films, and a second position in which it presses thefilm or films into contact with the support surface and, in the case ofseveral films into contact with each other. In this embodiment, theshutter is operably connected to the pressure roll to move it from thesecond position to the first position when the shutter moves to itsclosed position. This provides that the pressure roll will be disposedout of contact with the film and the support surface when the apparatushas slowed or is stopped and the shutter is closed, so that the new filmcan be conveniently fed into and through the apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the combination ofelements in apparatus such as that broadly characterized above in whichthe high intensity light source is an electric light source, and asource of electric power is connected to the light source. A controlcircuit is interconnected between the electric power source and thelight source for changing the amount of electric power transmitted tothe light source and accordingly, the intensity of the light source. Thecontrol circuit is operable to change the intensity of the light sourcein response to movement of the shutter between the open position and theclosed position.-

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other objects,advantages and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of the invention, when read in.conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. 1 is a sectionalside elevation view of one form of film duplicating apparatus whichincludes the apparatus combination of the present invention, and

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the electrical-mechanicalsystem used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and included in theapparatus combination of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a portion of one form of film duplicating apparatusin'which the present invention is utilized. The film duplicatingapparatus includes a rotatably mounted support cylinder 10 on thesurface of which an unimaged photosensitive duplicating film 11 issupported. An original master film 12, that is, a light stable,previously exposed film which already contains a developed visibleimage, is superimposed upon the duplicating film 11. The films 11 and 12are supported in this manner and run in contact with one another and thesurface of the support cylinder 10 through about 270 of rotation of thesupport cylinder 10. The duplicating film 11 is fed onto the supportcylinder 10 from a film reel 13 and after it passes around a guideroller 14. Upon leaving the support cylinder 10, the duplicating film 11passes around a guide roller -15 and advances toward a developingchamber (not shown) where it is developed in accordance with well-knowntechniques, the nature of which depends upon the type of film systememployed.

The duplicating film 11 is of a nature such that it is photosensitive,so that when it is exposed to a lightshadow image, as by transmission oflight through the master film onto the duplicating film, a developableimage will be created on the duplicating film. The duplicating film 11,for example, may be of a conventional silver halide form or of aconventional diazo form, the nature of each being well-known to thoseskilled in photography and copying.

The master film 12 is fed from a film reel 16 around a snubbing roller17, and then around a guide roller 18, after which it is fed around theperiphery of the support cylinder 10 on top of the duplicating film 11.Upon leaving the support cylinder 10 and the duplicating film 11, themaster film 12 is fed around a guide roller 20 and then around asnubbing roller 21 and onto a takeup reel 22. The guide roller 20 has apulley 23 which is connected by a belt 24 to a pulley 25 driven by amotor 26. The entire film system is driven by the motor 26 operatingthrough the guide roller 20. Therefore, it is frictional force betweenthe master film l2 and the outer periphery of the guide roller 20 whichadvances the duplicating film 11 and the master film 12 around thesupport cylinder 10 and through an exposure station describedsubsequently. Of course, suitable provision is made to drive the take-upreel 22 for the master film 12 and the take-up reel (not shown) for theduplicating film 11. For example, they may be driven by the motor 26 ina manner similar to guide roller 20 and at the same speed.

The side wall 27 of the duplicating apparatus has an opening 28 thereinradially disposed from the support cylinder 10. A light chamber 29 isformed by spacedapart upper and lower inclined walls 30 and 31,respectively, radially extending from the side wall 27 at the top andbottom of the opening 28 to a point closely spaced from the surface ofthe support cylinder 10, and side walls 32, only one of which is shown,which connect the respective ends of upper and lower walls 30 and 31 togenerally define an exposure station, in-

. dicated generally by the bracket 33. Thus, exposure of the duplicatingfilm 11 to light projected through the,

master film 12 only occurs when the films 11 and 12 pass over thesupport cylinder '10 between the lower side wall 31 and the upper sidewall 30.

A lamp 34 is spaced from the side wall 27 in line with the opening 28therein. The lamp 34 is partially enclosed by an arcuate reflectingelement 35 and outwardly diverging upper and lower reflecting elements36 and 37, respectively; spaced apart from one another. All of thereflecting elements 35, 36 and 37 have highly polished surfaces andcombine to project light from the lamp 34 through the opening 28 intothe light chamber 29 and through the master film 12 onto the duplicatingfilm 11 as they move through the exposure station 33. The lamp 34 maycomprise any of the high intensity electric light sources typicallyemployed in projection apparatus and film duplicating equipment. 7

A shutter 38 is disposed adjacent the side wall 27 and the opening 28therein, and is movable from an open position where it is adjacent theside wall 27 as shown in FIG. 1 in solid line, to a closed positionwhere it is in front of the opening 28 and is in front.of the spacebetween the reflecting elements 36 and 37, as shown in phantom line inFIG; 1. In the open position, light from the lamp'34 can strike thefilms l1 and 12 at the exposure station 33, but in the closed position,light which enters the light chamber 29 is essentially precluded fromstriking the films 11 and 12 at the exposure station 33. Movement of theshutter 38 is accomplished by a rack and pinion mechanism, the shutter38 being attached to the lower end of the rack 40 which is meshed withand driven by a pinion gear 41 which is attached to the shaft 42 of ashutter drive motor 43. The shutter drive motor 43 is a reversible ACmotor and a mechanism for controlling the direction of its operation isdescribed subsequently.

A pressure roller 44 is disposed within the light chamber 29 andarranged to contact the surface of the master film 12 to press itagainst the duplicating film 11 just prior to the point where the films11 and 12 are struck by light. This pressure substantially eliminatesany air gaps between the two films 11 and 12 and ensures uniform contacttherebetween which is essential to avoid undercutting of the image onthe master film 12 during exposure of the duplicating film 11 thereunderto light. In the duplication of film images, and particularlymicro-images on microfilm, close contact during exposure to light isextremely important to avoid the loss of resolution which otherwiseoccurs due to non-radial light rays passing through the imaged film.Such diverging light rays which unavoidably eminate from a light sourceunless optically redirected, tend to undercut the image on the masterfilm 12 if the master film 12 and the duplicating film 11 are not inclose contact with one another.

The pressure roller 44 is rotatably mounted on one end of a pivotablymounted support arm 45 which pivots about a pin 46 connected to the sideplate 32.

The other end of the support arm 45 is connected by a tension spring 47to the back side of the lower reflecting element 31. From thisarrangement, it can be seen that the pressure roller 44 is spring-biasedinto contact with the master film12 when the shutter 38 is open.

In accordance with the invention, the pressure roller 44 is moved awayfrom and out of contact with the master film 12 when'the shutter 38 ismoved to its closed position. This is accomplished by the lower end ofthe shutter 38 striking the support arm 45 holding the pressure roller44 and overcoming the force of the spring 47 by the force of the shutterdrive motor 43 operating through the rack and pinion gear 41 so that thepressure roller 44 is pivoted out of contact with the master film 12.This position of the support arm and pressure roller 44 is shown inphantom in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electricalmechanical system foraccomplishing some of the functions of portions of the apparatusdescribed above. The film drive motor 26 which drives'the guide roller20 has one terminal 48 electrically connected to ground by a conductor50 and the other terminal 51 electrically connected to a power source 52in the manner described subsequently.

The terminal 51 is initially connected by a conductor 53 to one end of aresistor 54 on a rheostat,'indicated generally byreference numeral 55. Aconductive pointer 56 on the rheostat is connected to a rotatableconductive shaft 57, the opposite end of which is connected to acontrolknob 58. Thus, by turning the knob 58 about its rotational axis,the shaft 57 rotates and the position of the pointer 56 on the rheostat55 is changed to place a different resistance level between the pointer56 and the film drive motor 26. A conductive cam 60 is fixed to therotatable shaft 57 so that it rotates with the shaft 57. A rotatablymounted conductive cam follower 61 contacts a portion of the cam 60 andis connected by a reciprocating conductive linkage element 62 to anupstanding conductive switch element 63 which pivots about its lowerend. The switch element 63 is connected by a conductor 59 to theelectrical power source-52 which supplies 110 volts A.C. In this manner,power is supplied to the film drive motor 26 and, upon rotation of thecontrol knob 58, the cam 60 will move the cam follower 61 in a mannerdependent upon the amount of power being supplied to the film drivemotor 26 as determined by the position of the pointer 56 along theresistor 54 of the rheostat 55.

The shutter drive motor 43 is a reversible electric motor, theelectrical design characteristics of which permit it to be stalledwithout overheating for long periods of time. One terminal 64 thereof iselectrically connected by conductor 65 to ground. Another terminal 66thereof is electrically connected by a conductor 67 to a switch contact68 which electrically engages the switch element 63 when the camfollower 61 is in the radially inward or low portion of the cam 60indicating operation of the film drive motor 26 at a suitable speed toprevent burning of the films 11 and 12. In this mode of operation, theshutter drive motor 43 receives power from the electrical power source52, and the shutter 38 is driven into its open position where light ispermitted to pass from the light source or lamp 34 through the opening28 and onto the films 1 1 and 12 at the exposure station 33.

The other terminal 70 of the shutter drive motor 43 is connected by aconductor 71 to a second switch contact 72 which electrically engagesthe switch element 63 when it is in the position shown in phantom linein FIG. 2. The switch element 63 is advanced to that position by thelinkage element 62 when the pointer 56 of the rheostat 55 moves to theend of the resistor 54 on the rheostat 55 such that the film drive motor26 is too slow or is stopped ln that event, the cam 60 has been rotatedby the control knob 58 so that the cam follower 61 rests on its radiallyoutermost or highest portion, thereby forcing the conductive linkageelement 62 and the switch element 63 to the right. This causes theswitch element 63 to engage the switch contact 72 and to breakelectrical engagement with the switch contact 68. Power now flows fromthe electrical power source 52 through the conductor 59 through theswitch element 63 to the switch contact 72 and through the conductor 71to the shutter drive motor 43 to operate it in the opposite direction.In this mode of operation, the shutter 38 is moved to its closedposition where it prevents light and heat from the light source or lamp34 from striking the films l1 and 12 and burning them when they are notbeing advanced at all or sufficiently rapidly through the duplicatingapparatus. The conductor 71 and the conductor 67 are connected by acapacitor 73 which effects the necessary change of polarity to reversethe direction of the shutter drive motor 43. v

The light source or' lamp 34 is connected in series by conductors 74 and75 to the high voltage coil 76 of a step-up transformer 77, the lowvoltage coil 78 of which is connected to an electrical power source 80which supplies 220 volts A.C. In this manner, a relatively high voltageis supplied to the lamp 34 to operate it at full intensity so as toprovide the required high illumination conditions for rapid filmduplication. ln accordance with the invention, however, a system isprovided to decrease the voltage applied to the lamp 34 and,accordingly, its intensity when the shutter drive motor 43 moves theshutter 38 to its closed position.

As shown in FIG. 2, an upstanding switch element 81 is pivotablysupported at its lower end and is operably connected by a linkageelement 82 shown in phantom line to the upstanding switch element 63.The lower end of the switch element 81 is electrically connected by aconductor 83 to a capacitor 84, the other side of which is connected bya conductor 85 to the conductor 74. Another conductor 86 extends fromthe conductor 75 to a switch contact 87 which is engaged by the switchelement 8l until it is moved by the cam follower 61 and the linkageelements 62 and 82 through the switch element 63 to the position shownin phantom. As pointed out previously, this movement occurs when thespeed of the film drive motor 26 falls below a predetermined level orstops as indicated by the position of the pointer 56 along the resistor54 of the rheostat 55. This causes cam 60 to move and the cam follower61 to be moved radially outwardly by the higher portion of the cam 60thereby advancing linkage element 62, the switch element 63, the linkageelement 82, and the switch element 81 to the right so that the switchelement 81 electrically disengages the switch contact 87. The initialcircuit places the capacitor 84 in parallel with the high voltage coil76 of the step-up transformer 77, thereby increasing the voltage appliedto the lamp 34. When the capacitor is removed from the circuit as byopening the switch 81, 87, the intensity of the light source or lamp 34is diminished, thereby greatly extending its life for useful operationof the film duplication apparatus.

In view of the above description of the invention and of the drawings,it can be seen that the invention provides a combination of elementswhich eliminates many of the problems of prior art film handling orprocessing apparatus and particularly problems experienced with filmduplication apparatus employed in the past. In particular, the apparatusof the invention automatically eliminates any risk of damage to. themaster film or the duplicating film at the exposure station when theapparatus is stopped or the films arefed through it too slowly. Inaddition, the apparatus provides a means for automatically controllingthe position of a pressure roller which is important particularly infilm duplication apparatus to press the master film and the duplicatingfilm together. This permits new films to be fed into the apparatuswithout the difficulty previously experienced where the pressure rollblocked the entrance of a-new film into the apparatus. Furthermore, theapparatus provides a means for greatly extending the life of theprojection lamp by reducing its intensity during 7 periods where filmduplication is not taking place and the shutter is closed. I 1

From the above description, it will be apparent that variousmodifications in the apparatus described in detail herein may be madewithin the scope of the invention. For example, while a rheostat hasbeen disclosed for controlling the speed of the film drive motor, someother more sophisticated electrical control apparatus might be employedto accomplish that purpose. In addition, the system might be made moreautomatic so that rather than using a control knob to control the speedof the film drive motor, the film drive motor might advantageously bemade to be responsive to the light intensity striking the film as bymonitoring and control equipment well-known to those skilled in the art.Such equipment is clearly within the scope of this invention. It will beapparent, of course, that depending upon the type of film and the effectdesired, the control apparatus could be made to operate the variousswitches either when the film drive motor stops completely or when thefilm drive motor is operated below a predetermined speed. This feat maybe accomplished by proper design of the cam 60 shown in FIG. 2, as willbe apparent to a person of ordinary engineering background, or by someother more elaborate system equally within the ability of such a person.Similarly, the respective mechanisms for controlling the position of thepressure roller and the intensity of the projection lamp could bedifferent from those shown without departing from the scope of theinvention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the specificdetails of the apparatus described herein except as may be required bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, thecombination of:

film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station,

control means for controllably altering the speed of said film drivemeans,

a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposurestation,

a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from theoptical light path between said light source and said film at saidexposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in theoptical light path between said light source and said film at saidexposurestation,

shutter drive means'connected to said shutter for moving .itbetween saidopen position and said closed position, said shutter drive meansincluding a reversible drive motor, and v switching means operablyconnected to said reversiexposed to light, the combination of:

fil

in drive meansfor advancing s-aid film through said exposure station,

a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposurestation,

shutter having an open position inwhich it is withdrawn from the opticallight path between said light source and said film at said exposurestation, anda closed position in which it is disposed in theopticallight path between said light source and said film at saidexposure'station,

shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between saidopen position and said closed position,

switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and tosaid film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter inresponse to the speed of said film drive means, and.

eans providing a support surface in the vicinityv of said exposurestation, and a pressure roll movable between a first position spacedfrom said support surface and said film and a second position in whichit presses said film into contact with said support surface.

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 2,wherein said shutter cooperates with said pressure roll to move saidpressure roll between said first position and said second position as itmoves between said open position and said closed position.

The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim 2,wherein said pressure roll is biased in said first position, and saidshutter is arranged to move said pressure roll into saidsecond positionto press said film against said support surface when'said shutter isadvanced to said closed position.

In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged 55 is moved through anexposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of:

in drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station,

a light source for directing light toward said film at said exposurestation,

shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from theoptical light path between said light source and said film at saidexposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in theoptical light path between said light source and said film at saidexposure station,

shutter drive means connected to said shutter for operatively connectedto said switching meansto change the intensity of said light source inresponse to the speed of said film drive meansto reduce the intensity ofsaid light source when said shutter-moves to said closed position.

6. lnapparatus-for handling film wherein an imaged filmis moved-throughan exposure station where it is exposed to light, the combination of:

film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station,

a light sourcefor directing light toward-said film at said exposurestation, v I I a shutter having an open position in which it iswithdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, and-a closed position in which it isdisposed insthe optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station,

shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it I betweensaid open position and said closed position,

switching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and tosaid film drive means for controllingthe positionof said shutter inresponse to the speed of said film drive means, and

a source of electricpower connected to said light source, a controlcircuit interconnected between said electric power source and said lightsource for Changing the amount of electric power transmitted tosaid'light source and, accordingly, the intensity .of said light source,said control circuit being operatively connectedto said switching meansto change the intensity of said light source in response to the speed ofsaid film drive means to reduce the intensity of said light source in anamount proportional to a decrease in speed of said film drive means.

7. ln apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, thecombination of:

film drive means for advancing said film through said exposure station,

a light source:for directing light toward said film at switching meansoperably connected to said shutter drive means and to said film drivemeans for controlling the position of said shutter in response to thespeed of said film drive means, and

said light source includinglight control means for changing theintensity of said light source, said light controlbeing actuatable bysaid shutter.

8. ln apparatus for duplicating film wherein an original master film anda .duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with oneanother and light is projected through said master film and onto saidduplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of:

film drive means for advancing said films through said exposure station,a light source for directing light toward said films at said exposurestation, a shutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn fromthe optical light path between said light source and said films at saidexposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in theoptical light path between said light source and said films at saidexposure station, Y shutter drive means connected to said shutter formoving it between said open position and said closed position, andswitching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and tosaid film drive means for controlling the position of said shutter inresponse to j the speed of said film drive means.

, 12 to move said pressure rollfinto said second position to press saidfilms against said support surface when said shutter is advanced to saidclosed position.

15. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim8, wherein said light source is electrically operated, said apparatusincludes a source of electric power connected to said light source, acontrol circuit interconnected between said electric power source andsaid light source for changing the amount of electric power transmittedto said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of said lightsource, said control circuit being operatively connected to saidswitching means to change the intensity 9. The combination in apparatusfor duplicating film according to claim 8, including control means forcontrollably altering the speed of said film drive means.

10. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim8, wherein said switching means are operably connected to said shutterdrive means and to said control means for changing the position of saidshutter when the speed of said film drive means reaches a predeterminedlevel.

'11. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according toclaim 8, wherein said shutter drive means includes a reversible drivemotor, and wherein said switching means are operably connected to saidreversible drive motor and to said control means for causing saidreversible drive motor to move said shutter into said closed positionwhen the speed of said film drive means drops below a predeterminedlevel determined by said control means.

12. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim8, including means providing a support surface in the vicinity of saidexposure station, and a pressure roll movable between a first positionspaced from said support surface and said films and a second position inwhich it presses said films into contact with said supportsurface.

13. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim12, wherein said shutter cooperates with said pressure roll to move saidpressure roll between said first position and said second position as itmoves between said'open position and said closed position.

14. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim12, wherein said pressure roll is biased in said first position, andsaid shutter is arranged of said light source in response to the speedof said film 'film according to claim 8, wherein said light sourceincludes light control means for changing the intensity of said lightsource, said light control means being actuatable by said shutter.

19. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light from a lightsource, the combination of;

means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposurestation,

a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from-saidsupport surface and said film and a second position in which it'pressessaid film into contact with said support surface, and

a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of thelight path between said light source and said film at said exposurestation, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said lightpath between said light source and said film at said exposure station,

said shutter being operably connected to said pressure roll to move itfrom said second position to said first position when said shutter movesto its closed position.

20. The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim19, wherein said support surface comprises the surface of a rotatablymounted-support roll over which said film is carried as it moves throughsaid exposure station. 7

21. The combination in apparatus for handling film according to claim19, including means for biasing said pressure roll into said secondposition when said shutter is in its open position.

22. In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master filmand a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with oneanother and light from a light source is projected through said masterfilm and onto said duplicate film at an exposure station, thecombination of:

means providing a support surface in the vicinity of said exposurestation,

a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from saidsupport surface and said film and a second position in which it pressessaid film into contact with said support surface, and

a shutter movable between an open position in which it is out of thelight path between said light source and said film at said exposurestation, and a closed position in which it is disposed in said lightpath between said light source and said film at said exposure station,

said shutterbeing operably connected to said pressure roll to move itfrom said second position to said first position when said shutter movesto its closed position.

23. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim22, wherein said support surface comprises the surface of a rotatablymounted support roll over which said film is carried as it moves throughsaid exposure station.

24. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim22, including means for biasing said pressure roll into said secondposition when said shutter is in its open position.

' 25. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, including anelectric light source directing light toward said film when it isdisposed at said exposure station, a source of electric power connectedto said light source, film drive means for advancing said film throughsaid exposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position inwhich it is out of the light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it isdisposed in the light path between said light source and said film, theimprovement comprising a control circuit interconnected between saidelectric power source and said light source for changing the amount ofelectric power transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, theintensity of said light source, said control circuit being operable tochange the intensity of said light source in response to movement ofsaid shutter between said open position and said closed position.

26. The improvement in apparatus for handling film according to claim25, wherein said control circuit is operable to reduce the intensity ofsaid light source when said shutter is moved to said closed position.

27. In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an original master filmand a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with oneanother and light is projected through said master film and onto saidduplicate film at an exposure station, including an electric lightsource directing light toward said master film when it is disposed atsaid exposure station, a source of electric power connected to saidlight source, film drive means for advancing said films through saidexposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position inwhich it is out of the light path between said light source and saidmaster film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which itis disposed in the light path between said light source and said masterfilm, the improvement comprising a control circuit interconnectedbetween said electric power source and said light source for changingthe amount of electric power transmitted to sa1d light source and,accordingly, intensity of said light source, said control circuit beingoperable to change the intensity of said light source in response tomovement of said shutter between said open position and said closedposition.

28. The improvement in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim27, wherein said control circuit is operable to reduce the intensity ofsaid light source when said shutter is moved to said closed position.

1. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, thecombination of: film drive means for advancing said film through saidexposure station, control means for controllably altering the speed ofsaid film drive means, a light source for directing light toward saidfilm at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position inwhich it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said lightsource and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position inwhich it is disposed in the optical light path between said light sourceand said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected tosaid shutter for moving it between said open position and said closedposition, said shutter drive means including a reversible drive motor,and switching means operably connected to said reversible drive motorand to said control means for causing said reversible drive motor tomove said shutter into said closed position when the speed of said filmdrive means drops below a predetermined level determined by said controlmeans.
 2. In apparatus for handling film wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, thecombination of: film drive means for advancing said film through saidexposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film atsaid exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it iswithdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it isdisposed in the optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to saidshutter for moving it between said open position and said closedposition, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive meansand to said film drive means for controlling the position of saidshutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and meansproviding a support surface in the vicinity of said exposure station,and a pressure roll movable between a first position spaced from saidsupport surface and said film and a second position in which it pressessaid film into contact with said support surface.
 3. The combination inapparatus for handling film according to claim 2, wherein said shuttercooperates with said pressure roll to move said pressure roll betweensaid first position and said second position as it moves between saidopen position and said closed position.
 4. The combination in apparatusfor handling film according to claim 2, wherein said pressure roll isbiased in said first position, and said shutter is arranged to move saidpressure roll into said second position to press said film against saidsupport surface when said shutter is advanced to said closed position.5. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is movedthrough an exposure station where it is exposed to light, thecombination of: film drive means for advancing said film through saidexposure station, a light source for directing light toward said film atsaid exposure station, a shutter having an open position in which it iswithdrawn from the optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it isdisposed in the optical light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected to saidshutter for moving it between said open position and said closedposition, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive meansand to said film drive means for controlling the position of saidshutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and a sourceof electric power connectEd to said light source, a control circuitinterconnected between said electric power source and said light sourcefor changing the amount of electric power transmitted to said lightsource and accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said controlcircuit being operatively connected to said switching means to changethe intensity of said light source in response to the speed of said filmdrive means to reduce the intensity of said light source when saidshutter moves to said closed position.
 6. In apparatus for handling filmwherein an imaged film is moved through an exposure station where it isexposed to light, the combination of: film drive means for advancingsaid film through said exposure station, a light source for directinglight toward said film at said exposure station, a shutter having anopen position in which it is withdrawn from the optical light pathbetween said light source and said film at said exposure station, and aclosed position in which it is disposed in the optical light pathbetween said light source and said film at said exposure station,shutter drive means connected to said shutter for moving it between saidopen position and said closed position, switching means operablyconnected to said shutter drive means and to said film drive means forcontrolling the position of said shutter in response to the speed ofsaid film drive means, and a source of electric power connected to saidlight source, a control circuit interconnected between said electricpower source and said light source for changing the amount of electricpower transmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensityof said light source, said control circuit being operatively connectedto said switching means to change the intensity of said light source inresponse to the speed of said film drive means to reduce the intensityof said light source in an amount proportional to a decrease in speed ofsaid film drive means.
 7. In apparatus for handling film, wherein animaged film is moved through an exposure station where it is exposed tolight, the combination of: film drive means for advancing said filmthrough said exposure station, a light source for directing light towardsaid film at said exposure station, a shutter having an open position inwhich it is withdrawn from the optical light path between said lightsource and said film at said exposure station, and a closed position inwhich it is disposed in the optical light path between said light sourceand said film at said exposure station, shutter drive means connected tosaid shutter for moving it between said open position and said closedposition, switching means operably connected to said shutter drive meansand to said film drive means for controlling the position of saidshutter in response to the speed of said film drive means, and saidlight source including light control means for changing the intensity ofsaid light source, said light control being actuatable by said shutter.8. In apparatus for duplicating film wherein an original master film anda duplicate film are brought into overlying relationship with oneanother and light is projected through said master film and onto saidduplicate film at an exposure station, the combination of: film drivemeans for advancing said films through said exposure station, a lightsource for directing light toward said films at said exposure station, ashutter having an open position in which it is withdrawn from theoptical light path between said light source and said films at saidexposure station, and a closed position in which it is disposed in theoptical light path between said light source and said films at saidexposure station, shutter drive means connected to said shutter formoving it between said open position and said closed position, andswitching means operably connected to said shutter drive means and tosaid film drive means for controlling the posItion of said shutter inresponse to the speed of said film drive means.
 9. The combination inapparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8, including controlmeans for controllably altering the speed of said film drive means. 10.The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 8,wherein said switching means are operably connected to said shutterdrive means and to said control means for changing the position of saidshutter when the speed of said film drive means reaches a predeterminedlevel.
 11. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film accordingto claim 8, wherein said shutter drive means includes a reversible drivemotor, and wherein said switching means are operably connected to saidreversible drive motor and to said control means for causing saidreversible drive motor to move said shutter into said closed positionwhen the speed of said film drive means drops below a predeterminedlevel determined by said control means.
 12. The combination in apparatusfor duplicating film according to claim 8, including means providing asupport surface in the vicinity of said exposure station, and a pressureroll movable between a first position spaced from said support surfaceand said films and a second position in which it presses said films intocontact with said support surface.
 13. The combination in apparatus forduplicating film according to claim 12, wherein said shutter cooperateswith said pressure roll to move said pressure roll between said firstposition and said second position as it moves between said open positionand said closed position.
 14. The combination in apparatus forduplicating film according to claim 12, wherein said pressure roll isbiased in said first position, and said shutter is arranged to move saidpressure roll into said second position to press said films against saidsupport surface when said shutter is advanced to said closed position.15. The combination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim8, wherein said light source is electrically operated, and saidapparatus includes a source of electric power connected to said lightsource, a control circuit interconnected between said electric powersource and said light source for changing the amount of electric powertransmitted to said light source and, accordingly, the intensity of saidlight source, said control circuit being operatively connected to saidswitching means to change the intensity of said light source in responseto the speed of said film drive means.
 16. The combination in apparatusfor duplicating film according to claim 15, wherein said control circuitreduces the intensity of said light source when said shutter moves tosaid closed position.
 17. The combination in apparatus for duplicatingfilm according to claim 15, wherein said control circuit reduces theintensity of said light source in an amount proportional to a decreasein speed of said film drive means.
 18. The combination in apparatus forduplicating film according to claim 8, wherein said light sourceincludes light control means for changing the intensity of said lightsource, said light control means being actuatable by said shutter. 19.In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film is moved throughan exposure station where it is exposed to light from a light source,the combination of: means providing a support surface in the vicinity ofsaid exposure station, a pressure roll movable between a first positionspaced from said support surface and said film and a second position inwhich it presses said film into contact with said support surface, and ashutter movable between an open position in which it is out of the lightpath between said light source and said film at said exposure station,and a closed position in which it is disposed in said light path betweensaid light source and said film at said exposure station, said shutterbeing operably connected to said pressure roll to move it fRom saidsecond position to said first position when said shutter moves to itsclosed position.
 20. The combination in apparatus for handling filmaccording to claim 19, wherein said support surface comprises thesurface of a rotatably mounted support roll over which said film iscarried as it moves through said exposure station.
 21. The combinationin apparatus for handling film according to claim 19, including meansfor biasing said pressure roll into said second position when saidshutter is in its open position.
 22. In apparatus for duplicating film,wherein an original master film and a duplicate film are brought intooverlying relationship with one another and light from a light source isprojected through said master film and onto said duplicate film at anexposure station, the combination of: means providing a support surfacein the vicinity of said exposure station, a pressure roll movablebetween a first position spaced from said support surface and said filmand a second position in which it presses said film into contact withsaid support surface, and a shutter movable between an open position inwhich it is out of the light path between said light source and saidfilm at said exposure station, and a closed position in which it isdisposed in said light path between said light source and said film atsaid exposure station, said shutter being operably connected to saidpressure roll to move it from said second position to said firstposition when said shutter moves to its closed position.
 23. Thecombination in apparatus for duplicating film according to claim 22,wherein said support surface comprises the surface of a rotatablymounted support roll over which said film is carried as it moves throughsaid exposure station.
 24. The combination in apparatus for duplicatingfilm according to claim 22, including means for biasing said pressureroll into said second position when said shutter is in its openposition.
 25. In apparatus for handling film, wherein an imaged film ismoved through an exposure station where it is exposed to light,including an electric light source directing light toward said film whenit is disposed at said exposure station, a source of electric powerconnected to said light source, film drive means for advancing said filmthrough said exposure station, and a shutter movable between an openposition in which it is out of the light path between said light sourceand said film at said exposure station, and a closed position in whichit is disposed in the light path between said light source and saidfilm, the improvement comprising a control circuit interconnectedbetween said electric power source and said light source for changingthe amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and,accordingly, the intensity of said light source, said control circuitbeing operable to change the intensity of said light source in responseto movement of said shutter between said open position and said closedposition.
 26. The improvement in apparatus for handling film accordingto claim 25, wherein said control circuit is operable to reduce theintensity of said light source when said shutter is moved to said closedposition.
 27. In apparatus for duplicating film, wherein an originalmaster film and a duplicate film are brought into overlying relationshipwith one another and light is projected through said master film andonto said duplicate film at an exposure station, including an electriclight source directing light toward said master film when it is disposedat said exposure station, a source of electric power connected to saidlight source, film drive means for advancing said films through saidexposure station, and a shutter movable between an open position inwhich it is out of the light path between said light source and saidmaster film at said exposure station, and a closed position in which itis disposed in the light path between said light source and said masterfilm, the improvemeNt comprising a control circuit interconnectedbetween said electric power source and said light source for changingthe amount of electric power transmitted to said light source and,accordingly, intensity of said light source, said control circuit beingoperable to change the intensity of said light source in response tomovement of said shutter between said open position and said closedposition.
 28. The improvement in apparatus for duplicating filmaccording to claim 27, wherein said control circuit is operable toreduce the intensity of said light source when said shutter is moved tosaid closed position.